Exploring Influence: The "Table of Power" Unveiled at Dutch Design Week

A Reimagined Classic: Interpreting Institutional Authority Through Design

Show Not Show has transformed a renowned 1990s photo series by Jacqueline Hassink into a captivating furniture exhibition at Dutch Design Week. Held at Eindhoven's Kruisruimte exhibition space, "The Table of Power" draws direct inspiration from Hassink's original work, which depicted the empty boardrooms of Fortune 500 corporations, symbolizing centers of power devoid of human presence.

The Enduring Table: A Symbol of Unlimited Influence

Echoing the photographic series, the centerpiece of "The Table of Power" is an exceptionally long table, serving as a powerful emblem of institutional authority. This table appears to stretch into infinity, an illusion masterfully created by a strategically placed mirror at its far end, emphasizing the boundless reach of power.

Crafting the Core: A Brutalist Masterpiece

The central table, a unique creation by collective members Frank Penders and Luuk van Laarhoven, is meticulously crafted from sheet metal. Its brutalist form, characterized by sharp angles and robust construction, is softened by brushed textures and chromatic gradients, lending an unexpected allure to its otherwise raw aesthetic.

An Assembly of Collectible Creations: Diverse Designs Around the Central Theme

Surrounding this imposing table is a curated collection of furniture, lighting, and textile pieces from fellow Show Not Show members Lucas Zito, Marc Meeuwissen, Mokko, and Studio Fabius Clovis, alongside guest exhibitors Aleksandra Adamchyk, Kilian Vos, and Pablo Octavio. The display features a rich variety of materials, including raw wood, glossy lacquer, sculptural metal, and translucent, glowing bioplastic, each contributing to the exhibition's overarching narrative.

The Genesis of an Idea: From Press Dinner to Profound Reflection

The concept for this thought-provoking exhibition emerged after Show Not Show received an invitation to host Dutch Design Week's official press dinner. Recognizing the limited space, Penders explains, "Instead of forcing a dinner into our exhibition, we made the dinner the starting point." This innovative approach allowed the collective to integrate the press—whom they view as a significant force in shaping the design industry—directly into the exhibition's conceptual framework.

The Press as Power: Completing the Exhibition's Narrative

In the collective's view, the press wields substantial influence within the design world, determining what gains recognition, debate, and enduring memory. Their active participation in the dinner and the exhibition itself becomes an integral part of the concept, underscoring their role in the dissemination and validation of design.

An Ongoing Exploration: Show Not Show's Thematic Evolution

Penders elaborated that "The Table of Power" aligns with Show Not Show's ongoing mission to utilize exhibitions as platforms for investigating overlooked facets of the design realm. He noted their previous showcases: in 2024, they highlighted experiments and prototypes; in 2025, they focused on underlying ideas and concepts. "This year," Penders stated, "the subject is visibility. Being seen, becoming known, and finding recognition for what you create. It is about the relationship between designers, their work, and the media that bring it to a wider audience."

Symbolic Elements: Redefining Spatial Dynamics

Beyond the central table, Octavio's curtain-like brushed aluminum room dividers play a crucial symbolic role. Their height intentionally grants those seated a broader perspective of the room compared to those standing, subtly emphasizing a power imbalance and reinforcing the exhibition's core message.

Showcasing Innovation: Diverse Contributions and Elemental Moods

The exhibition features several standout pieces. Meeuwissen's new Barricada series of angular wooden stools, designed to complement the dining table, exemplifies his commitment to crafting works using a single tool and material. Studio Fabius Clovis presents distinct plywood furniture, its unique surface enhanced by high-gloss lacquer, while Lucas Zito's totemic pendant lights, 3D printed from bioplastic, ingeniously manipulate scale to create striking spatial effects. Guest exhibitors Adamchyk, Vos, and Octavio further enhance the elemental atmosphere with their respective contributions: Adamchyk's sculptural zigzagging Waveform drawer, Vos's geological Future Fossils rugs, and Octavio's stone-like yet yielding Lapis lounge chair.

A Growing Legacy: Show Not Show's Expanding Influence

Since its inception in 2024, Show Not Show has consistently exhibited at the Kruisruimte and has broadened its reach through presentations at international events such as the Design Biennale Rotterdam, Collectible Brussels, and Milan Design Week, solidifying its reputation as a significant voice in contemporary desig